Lubango — The Provincial Office for Environment, Waste Management and Community Services on Monday reproved the exploitation of construction aggregates in Tundavala tourist zone.

Speaking to ANGOP, the director of Environment, Waste Management and Community Services of Huila Province, Tânia dos Santos, said they visited the place twice, Sunday and Monday, and found an attempt of exploitation.

The official was reacting to a video published on social media reporting an alleged exploitation of rock formations at the entrance of the Tundavaal rift, placed in piles for possible collection and transportation.

The official said it was an isolated situation, of some individuals who collected some naturally separated aggregates, but with some appetite to break the rocks and explore it.

"This activity is not authorised, it is a tourist area and does not fit in with any type of exploitation", the official said.

Tania dos Santos stressed that a process will be set up to identify the perpetrators to be held accountable by law enforcement authorities.

Mr Dos Santos also said that an awareness campaign will be carried out to discourage such practices, as there is the need to safeguard the local ecosystem, made up mainly of birds, amphibians and reptiles and flora, which is at risk if this type of exploitation occurs that could end up destroying the zone (ecosystem).

The Tundavala tourist area is located 20 kilometres to the west of Lubango, and has a crevice that is a natural "window" of the city from which the municipality of Bibala/Namibe can be seen.

The Tundavala crevice was classified as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Angola in 2014, it has almost 1,200 metres, downstream of the Serra da Leba.